Tribunal orders monitoring to curb illegal sand mining along Yamuna

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued directions to strengthen monitoring and coordination to prevent illegal sand mining along the Yamuna floodplains between Delhi and Ghaziabad. The order follows hearings on three connected matters, including a suo motu petition.

The Tribunal took cognisance of reports of some workers constructing a road across the river near Panchayara village in Ghaziabad, connecting it to Alipur on Delhi’s outskirts, to facilitate sand mining. Excavators were being used on floodplains beyond permitted limits, and sand was being dredged in areas not allowed under official leases.

The NGT Bench noted that an affidavit dated October 9 was filed by the Secretary, Geology and Mining Department, Uttar Pradesh, on behalf of the Chief Secretary.

The District Mining Officer was directed to file an affidavit detailing compliance by respondents.

The Chief Secretary, Delhi, was instructed to file an affidavit confirming nomination of officers for a Joint Inter-State Task Force. The Tribunal further directed, “The Joint Inter-State Task Force for monitoring of mining activities is directed to make requisite joint visits and hold joint meetings and file at least one day before the date of hearing fixed, minutes of meetings and action taken report giving details regarding action taken to prevent illegal mining and also to upload the same on the websites of District Magistrates concerned, of Government of NCT of Delhi and Government of UP.”

The cases are listed for final hearing on October 29.